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Graduating senior turns life challenges into confidence, compassion for others

Senior social work major Milka Weldemichile came to Abilene Christian University through ACU’s Bridge Program – designed to fill in the gaps between high school and college – but she’s already been crossing bridges in challenging transitions throughout her life. Now as she graduates with a degree in social work, she hopes to help build … Continued
Out of One, Many book cover

ACU alumnus is featured on cover of George W. Bush’s new book

A face familiar to the Abilene Christian University community is featured on the cover of President George W. Bush’s #1 New York Times bestseller, Out of Many, One. Former ACU track star Gilbert Tuhabonye (’01), co-founder of Gazelle Foundation, is one of 43 immigrants whose portraits and inspirational stories are featured in the former president’s … Continued

NEXT Lab student researcher awarded National Science Foundation fellowship

When Keaton Brewster graduates in May with a degree in physics and mathematics, he’ll be taking with him more than a diploma. A research proposal stemming from his work in ACU’s NEXT Lab has earned him a prestigious fellowship from the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowships Program. With his annual stipend of $34,000, Keaton … Continued

Chelsea Van Meter, nursing instructor

Nursing instructor brings front-line experiences to the classroom

She used to have downtime during nursing shifts to chat with patients and their family members. She used to not feel so much anxiety at work, or at home. She used to not have to worry about her profession putting her family at risk.  A year into working in a COVID-19 unit at Abilene’s Hendrick … Continued

17th annual FilmFest premieres student films under the stars

In an ordinary year, the Paramount Theatre in downtown Abilene would roll out the red carpet for ACU’s FilmFest Gala, the university’s annual student film competition, now in its 17th year. But this year was, of course, no ordinary one, and so the festival moved outside for ACU’s first-ever FilmFest: Under the Stars. Last Friday … Continued

meda bow

Nutrition major finds internship, calling at ACU

When Meda Bow was 12, her family moved from the U.S. to South Africa. That’s when she saw firsthand how important the science of nutrition could be. Her mother was a kinesiology professor, now retired, and her father an agricultural researcher. In South Africa, the family lived on a farm in a rural area where … Continued

Nike designer Tobie Hatfield

Nike innovator Tobie Hatfield puts heart and sole into his shoe designs

When Tobie Hatfield (’87) wrapped up an ACU track and field career that included multiple NCAA Division II team championships, he had dreams of coaching. But God, as Hatfield says, had other plans. Hatfield may not be coaching now, but that hasn’t stopped him from helping support today’s athletes – literally. Hatfield works as Nike’s … Continued

Zaviar Gooden, MBA student

Former NFL linebacker grows his business while earning online MBA

Zaviar Gooden, who played college and professional football before starting his sports and fitness training business, learned from his time in the NFL that hard work and dedication are keys to making dreams come true. Now, he’s focused on his next dream of making his business a success. In partnership with his wife, Alex, a … Continued

Tim Holt Dude Perfect

Tim Holt finds faith, fun in filming as Dude Perfect editor

In his five years filming and editing with Dude Perfect, Abilene Christian University alumnus Tim Holt has worked with celebrity athletes, spent three days filming on the U.S.S. Nimitz aircraft carrier, competed in trick-shot challenges for a YouTube audience of millions, and sometimes gets recognized in public, thanks to his occasional front-of-camera appearances. Holt’s job … Continued

Biochemistry major Bao Catteau on a mission trip in Guatemala.

Childhood health issues lead to desire to become a doctor

Bao Catteau’s start in life was filled with uncertainty. Now he is certain – he wants to become a physician. Born in Shenzhen, China, Bao was abandoned as an infant. A police officer found him and placed him in an orphanage, where he was given his name and a place to live. When he was 5 … Continued